Clyde James Rayburn Jr.

Clyde was born in Kansas City on October 28, 1931, to Clyde Sr. and Eva Ekberg Rayburn, and he lived his entire life in this area—first in Kansas City, then Grandview and Lees Summit, and finally in Leawood, Kansas. As a child, Clyde was quiet, preferring to be an observer rather than a participant. Then, he discovered music in 5th grade gravitating to the trumpet as his instrument of choice. Clyde loved the sound and power of his trumpet, and he continued to play in high school, and later, in the American Legion Band and Overland Park Municipal Band for more than 25 years.

After graduating from Paseo High School, Clyde received his bachelor's degree and then attended UMKC Law School working to support himself by loading crates of pop bottles onto trucks. He said that was the hardest work he ever did! With his law degree in hand, Clyde began his career as a clerk for Judge Charles Whitaker and continued for several years as he and the judge moved from the US District Court to the US Court of Appeals. When Judge Whitaker was appointed to the US Supreme Court, Clyde decided to stay in Missouri, and he moved to the corporate insurance field where he evaluated policies at Dodson Insurance for 20 years.

One day, just after Clyde's law school graduation, Clyde's father came home from work at the Federal Reserve Bank and announced that he had just met Clyde Jr's future wife. Sure enough, Clyde met and married Vivian Lee West, spending 62 years at her side. They were best friends as well as husband and wife, and they made the most of their time together by traveling all over the United States and many parts of the world. Identifying it as their stateside favorite, the couple made repeated trips to Yellowstone National Park, and as their overseas favorite they chose Machu Picchu. A bit later Clyde and Vivian discovered cruises, went on many, and loved them all especially sailing around the tip of South

America. During this travel era, Clyde and Vivian also built their dream home in Lee's Summit where they lived happily for 40 years.

Clyde leaves behind many friends and caregivers who will miss his uncanny memory and wit. Graveside services will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery (10507 Holmes, Kansas City, MO) on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 1 PM. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice in Clyde's name.